Cinco Made Simple

Throw your own Cinco de Mayo party with these easy recipes.

Do you find yourself dreaming of fresh guacamole? Or maybe just the thought of mixing up a homemade margarita makes you giddy. Whatever your favorite dish, Cinco de Mayo is a day of celebrating and great food!

Cinco de Mayo—or the fifth of May—commemorates the Mexican army’s 1862 victory over France at the Battle of Puebla during the Franco-Mexican War (1861-1867). A relatively minor holiday in Mexico, in the United States Cinco de Mayo has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture and heritage, particularly in areas with large Mexican-American populations. Cinco de Mayo traditions include parades, mariachi music performances and street festivals in cities and towns across Mexico and the United States.

Whether you’re having a fiesta with family or a dinner party with friends, these recipes are sure to give the right touch to your Cinco de Mayo.

Homemade Mexican Guacamole – Courtesy of My Latina Table

Ingredients

• 2 ripe avocados
• 1/4 onion, finely chopped
• 1 jalapeno, finely chopped (optional)
• Chopped Cilantro
• Lime Juice (to taste)
• Salt to taste
• 1/2 tomato, finely chopped

Instructions

• Peel the avocado and remove the core.
• Mash the avocado until it reaches your desired consistency
• Add the onion, jalapeno, cilantro and tomato and mix well.
• Add lime juice and salt to taste.

Copycat Disneyland Mini Churro Bites Recipe – Courtesy of Family Food Fun

Prep time:  10 mins

Cook time:  10 mins

Total time:  20 mins

Serves: 4 servings

 

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 2½ tablespoons white sugar
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 quarts oil for frying
• ½ cup white sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

• In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine water, 2½ tablespoons sugar, salt and 2 tablespoons vegetable oil. Bring to a boil and remove from heat. Stir in flour until mixture forms a ball.
• Heat oil for frying in deep-fryer or deep skillet to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Pipe strips of dough into hot oil using a pastry bag or churro maker. Fry until barely golden; drain on paper towels.
• Combine ½ cup sugar and cinnamon. Roll drained churros in cinnamon and sugar mixture.
• Serve with chocolate sauce.

Traditional Margarita Recipe –  Courtesy of The Cookful

Ingredients:

• kosher salt
• ice cubes
• 2 oz. tequila (I prefer silver or blanco)
• 1 and 1/2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 oz. simple syrup (if you don't have any, make up a quick and easy batch or use agave nectar)
• 1/2 oz. Triple Sec

Directions

• Rim a high ball glass with kosher salt.
• Put two big handfuls of ice cubes into a cocktail shaker. Add remaining ingredients. Shake for a good 10 seconds.
• Fill high ball glass half full of ice cubes. Pour contents of shaker over top.

White Chicken Creamy Enchiladas – Courtesy of Recipe Tin Eats

White Chicken Enchiladas

 

Prep time

15 mins

Cook time

25 mins

Total time

40 mins

 

Ingredients

White Sauce

• 2½ tbsp butter
• 3 tbsp flour
• 1 cup milk
• ½ c light sour cream
• 1 cup chicken broth
• ½ tsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp finely chopped jalapeños OR canned green chilies (Note 2)
• ½ tsp salt + pepper

Enchiladas

• 2½ cups shredded cooked chicken (I used poached chicken breast)
• 1 cup frozen corn
• ½ cup sliced scallions
• Salt and pepper
• 2 cups grated cheese (Note 1)
• 8 tortillas (flour or corn)

Instructions

White Sauce

• Melt butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add flour and cook for 1 minute.
• Add milk, whisk until thickened - about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Add sour cream and chicken broth. Whisk and cook for 2 minutes - it should thicken slightly. Stir through cumin, jalapeños, salt and pepper. Remove from heat and set aside.

Enchiladas

• Preheat oven to 180C/350F.
• Mix together ¼ cup White Sauce, chicken, corn, scallions, 1 cup of grated cheese, salt and pepper.
• Pop the tortillas in the microwave for 15 seconds to warm through (so they don't crack when rolled up).
• Divide filling between tortillas, and roll them up like a cigar.
• Smear 2 tbsp of White Sauce in baking dish. Place enchiladas in the dish, seam side down. Pour over remaining White Sauce, scatter with remaining cheese.
• Bake for 25 minutes, until bubbly and golden. Serve hot!
• Optional: Serve Pico de Gallo to top it or serve it on the side.

Holiday History courtesy of history.com